Mt Cook Tour, this small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the time and options to enjoy extra activities of your choice, unlike many other tours. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Please be aware that lunch is not provided on this tour. If you plan to embark on any hikes during your Mount Cook tour, it's advisable to bring along a light lunch or grab some food when we stop in Omarama. If you do not plan on embarking on one of the local treks, there will be opportunities for you to purchase food along the way & while you are in Aoraki / Mt Cook.
**Please note: the Hooker Valley Track is currently CLOSED from the Muller Lookout onwards, while the Department of Conservation works on replacing one of the swing bridges. This is expected to be complete in Autumn 2026 so the track will only be partially accessible to the public until then**
Highlights:
Itinerary:
1. Queenstown - Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventurous day but also point out and guide you past some of the areas top highlights.
2. Kawarau Suspension Bridge – Departing Queenstown we then make our way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout. Time and light permitting we will stop for that first great shot of the tour.
3. Cromwell – Exiting the Kawarau Gorge we enter the fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Passing huge fields of vines, we cross Lake Dunstan and follow this beautiful lake towards Lindis Pass.
4. Lindis Pass – Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, we stop at the famous lookout at the top of the pass for an essential photo.
5. Omarama – While driving through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district we will spot several of the famous Merino breed of sheep before stopping at the quaint township of Omarama. While in Omarama we have time for a break or even to try the best creamy chicken pie in NZ (in our opinion)!
6. Lake Pukaki – Turning west we begin to enter the Aoraki National Park and Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. We stop for some amazing photos and to just marvel at the sight that we are beholding. It’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scene were filmed nearby and we will point them out for you.
7. Mt Cook Information Centre – Arriving at Mt Cook Village, weather depending, we should get some amazing shots of the mountain itself. At 3724m, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, however, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m above sea level.
8. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park – While in the national park you have 3 hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities. Some of our recommendations include: Tasman Glacier View walk, Heli Hike (this adventure on the Tasman Glacier is the ultimate way to enjoy the area), scenic flights (see the region from the air and land on the Tasman Glacier). Whatever you decide to do we will pick you up and drop you off where you need to go and make sure you are well looked after.
9. High Country Salmon - Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and making our way back to Queenstown we stop in at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.
10. Jacksons Orchard – During summer months when the sun is still up as we get close to Queenstown we often stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or buy some delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream.
11. Queenstown – Sadly the tour must come to an end as we re-enter Queenstown and say our goodbyes.
Inclusions:
Optional Extras:
While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
For further information on luggage, pickup locations, cancellation policy etc please read our FAQ's